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It's a classic muscle car look: the fat, brushed aluminum gas cap sitting high on the rear haunches, almost taunting the world with the fact that yes, this car uses a lot of gas, and yes, it's because it makes a ton of horsepower. Muscle car designers originally took the idea from the racing fuel caps that they had seen on cars in the 50's and 60's. Race cars had large fuel doors to make them easier to open and close during pit stops, and they were made of metal to ensure that they could withstand the aerodynamic rigors of racing.

Nowadays, many people want to imitate the muscle car look on their own car or truck with an aluminum-style fuel door. There a few companies which can custom-make fuel doors, using a variety of materials and styles. Some models can even be locked, keeping gas thieves away from your fuel tank.

Putco manufactures an ABS chrome fuel door cover which has embossed circular rivets which form a ring around a flat center. The ABS chrome apes the chrome used on the rest of the truck, so it looks like stock-replacement. Installation simply requires using adhesive tape to attach the chrome to your current door. No drilling or glue required! This door is for aesthetics only, not practical performance. AVS is another company offering a chrome fuel door which can be attached with tape.

Stick-on fuel doors, like the models from Putco and AVS, aren't terribly useful. They can absolutely look good on the right truck, and considering how inexpensive they are, with a price range of $35-$45, then more power to you if you decide to get one. However, if you've got some extra funds and a little time on your hands, read up on the AMI fuel doors below.

AMI goes in a different direction with their fuel doors. They offer a variety of styles made out of billet aluminum, giving it a rugged look. They also offer more than one color option, with an all-black door, an all-aluminum door which can be brushed or polished, and an aluminum door surrounded by a black ring. Buyers can also choose to have their door be lockable - an obvious advantage. Rampage products are very similar to those offered by AMI, with fewer rivets used in the design, and only brushed or polished aluminum colors available. Both styles can be ordered with locks as well.

While it might seem appealing to be able to lock people out of your gas tank in this new era of rising fuel prices, it is important to keep in mind that with most trucks, it is very easy to get underneath the body and access the fuel tank directly. This means that when faced with a locked fuel door, a thief might decide to simply drill a hole in the bottom of your tank and drain your fuel out that way. Since the cost of replacing a fuel tank is a lot more than the cost of replacing its contents, you need to be sure that you won't be facing this kind of risk before installing a gas cap that locks. If your truck is stored in a garage or in a well-lit lot, then you shouldn't have any problems.

Bottom line: Fuel door covers can be inexpensive, harmless fun, like the model from Putco, or a serious accessory, like AMI's locking billet aluminum door. However, from a purely utilitarian point of view, only AMI's locking fuel doors offer any real benefits beyond looks. AMI fuel filler doors can be purchased for about $85, and there's no extra charge for the locking model.

About: Author Jason Lancaster operates TundraHeadquarters.com, a web site with information, news, and reviews of Toyota Tundra accessories and Tundra parts.

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